There’s more than books at the library. | Photo by @hurricanerumz
On these hot summer days, sometimes you’re just looking for an indoor activity that won’t break the bank. We have you covered with these free activities. First Fridays | It’s part gallery hop, part date night, part excuse to say things like “I love the texture” while drinking a glass of wine — and this month, it’s happening on the second Friday due to the holiday.
Kilgore-Lewis House | Step inside this historic home and stroll the arboretum with volunteer guides Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Library events | The library features more than just books. Explore the calendar for free classes and activities for kids (and grown-ups).
Summer Adventure | Thursday, July 10-Saturday, July 26 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Roper Mountain Science Center | $15 | Get up close and personal with butterflies, explore the Environmental Science building, and pet a stingray in the Marine Lab.
Downtown Alive | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | NOMA Square | Free entry | Kick off the weekend early with live music, fellowship, and beer, benefiting the Metropolitan Arts Council.
Greenville Drive vs. Winston-Salem Dash | 6:45 p.m. | Fluor Field | $8+ | The Malmö Oat Milkers return for another unforgettable game during Trading Card Night.*
Life of Pi | Thursday, July 10-Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Peace Center | $55+ | Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, this Broadway show tells the story of Pi Patel, a young man stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck.
Friday, July 11
Cake Decorating + Craft Making | 6-8:30 p.m. | Vino and Van Gogh | $73 | In this relaxed, hands-on experience, you’ll decorate your own vibrant cake with playful summer colors and designs, and dive into some creative craft projects to take home.
The Magic of Eric Eaton | Friday, July 11-Saturday, July 12 | Times vary | Comedy Zone | $25+ | This magician has performed all over the US and can be seen on the TV Show “Masters of Illusion.”
Saturday, July 12
Bluegrass Brunch at The Southern Growl | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Southern Growl, Greer | Free | Enjoy live music from Wilder Things Than Us as you sip on brunch cocktails + indulge in food specials.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire | Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | $24+ | Catch this show where Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are brought to life.
In addition to Greenville landing in the top 10 of Travel + Leisure’s best US travel destinations for the first time, Hotel Hartness secured a spot on the list of the top 100 hotels in the world. Only 18 US hotels made the list.
Development
After years of false starts, the former Greenlink bus site on Augusta Street could become a mixed-use project. Clemson-based Accente Group signed a “voluntary cleanup deal” for the property, which could open the door for future development. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Civic
Greenville County Council and planners just did a deep dive on impact fees — a tool that could make new development pay for road improvements. County Council may ask the Planning Commission to begin a study soon, which would take six months to complete. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Coming Soon
A mixed-use project could bring up to 125 new apartments to Downtown Simpsonville after the Simpsonville City Council gave final approval to sell its former City Hall on NE Main Street for $850,000. Blue Ridge Land Holdings plans to combine the site with nearby parcels for the development. (Greenville Journal)
Cause
Table 301’s Brunch for a Cause returns this Saturday, July 12, with 100% of brunch and lunch sales going to the American Red Cross + World Central Kitchen to support disaster relief efforts in Texas. Since 2004, Brunch for a cause has raised $200,000+. See the full list of participating restaurants.
Ranked
No. 1. That’s where The Altar Spa ranked on USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best day spas in the US. To celebrate, the spa has some limited-time specials including discounted facials, massages, and body peels.
Edu
Greenville Technical College and Prisma Health are partnering to tackle SC’s EMT shortage with a new hands-on course at Prisma’s Greenville campus — and 50 students are already lined up for the fall program. (Greenville Journal)
Community
Flourish Adoption Ministries just turned its old conference room into the Flourish Bookstore — a cozy used book nook in Pettigru Historic District. Swing by weekdays to donate or browse shelves stocked entirely by the community, with every book sold helping support local adoption services. (Upstate Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
My Friday night plans have a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R, because the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be at Main Street Fridays on Friday, July 11.
Family
This fall, the YMCA of Greenville is launching an all-girls flag football league. Girls ages 8-15 are invited to learn the game, build confidence, and have fun in a supportive space. Registration is open until Sept. 22 (games begin Nov. 1). Learn more + register.*
Travel
Treehouse in the canopy, alpacas by your porch, or a charming 1800s cottage — Gwinnett, GA has unique stays for every kind of escape. From tiny homes to working farms, these short-term rentals offer one-of-a-kind backdrops for your next weekend getaway. Take a peek.*
Asked
What’s hard, shiny, pretty, and projected to be valued at $4,000 per ounce in 2026? See the answer.†*
Job
Your dream employee is probably reading our newsletter right now — want them to see your job first? Add your job listing to our GVLtoday Job Board, at no cost.
A season ticket holder and proud dad of three, Jeremy was one of seven finalists who battled it out during in-game challenges at the Drive game on Tuesday, July 8, earning the title of the six millionth Drive fan.
He took home the grand prize of a Boston Red Sox trip, 2026 season tickets, a future first pitch, and a custom jersey.
Drive Owner Craig Brown called it a celebration of every fan who’s supported the team for 20 years — transforming Greenville’s West End and making baseball the community’s pride and joy.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
“It’s super beautiful and a little humid.” That’s how the “Life of Pi” cast described Greenville, where they’ll perform six shows at the Peace Center over the next four days.
I got an up-close look at how puppeteers bring Richard Parker (the Bengal tiger in the show) to life. It was mesmerizing. You can still get tickets to see it for yourself.
Bonus: Taha Mandviwala, who plays the title character Pi, told me he always looks for great coffee when he’s exploring a new city, so I was happy to point him in the direction of Methodical Coffee for his first sip + our full coffee guide for further caffeination.
}})
